Strike Up the LAN
Pass the Mountain Dew -- we're killing baddies.
SAT 4/30
In 1999, two enterprising geeks modified Half-Life, a PC shooter game, into Counter-Strike, an online bloodfest in which counterterrorist agents track down evildoers in team formation. Counter-Strike became an online phenomenon, enhanced by LAN parties -- where participants bring their own computers to play in a local area network -- and an ample supply of Red Bull. Six years later, these gatherings have grown into ravelike events, sometimes cramming thousands of pale, twitchy commandos in a room full of computer equipment. This Saturday at 2 p.m., Sundogs Network Center (8126 Northwest Prairie View Road) hosts a slightly subdued version with its Counter-Strike Tournament. Pitting teams of five against one another, the party ends when one team is left standing on the virtual corpses of everyone else. Entry fees are $150, with first- and second-place teams taking home 40 percent and 20 percent of the pot, respectively, an achievement that buys both respect and lots of caffeine. Call 816-587-8352 to register. -- Christopher Sebela
Tee Party
TUE 5/3
When we think of the money Tiger Woods' agent must make, we're tempted to attend the Drive, Chip and Putt Junior Challenge at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Lenexa's Falcon Ridge Golf Club (20200 Prairie Star Parkway) to scout for future superstars. Kiddies ages 7 to 14 are eligible. Call 913-393-4653. -- Annie Fischer
